George Livingston

When the clapper on their church bell is broken, the town elders in the tiny northern village of Posh-e-hon-yeh think long and hard before deciding upon a course of action. Eventually, twenty-four villagers, all named Ivan, are dispatched to St. Petersburg to find a replacement, and hilarious misadventures ensue...

This humorous Russian folktale about a town of well-meaning, but not-so-bright peasants - all named Ivan and Mary, because no one could think of better names - has a silly quality show more that younger children will enjoy. George Livingston's illustrations, which alternate between color and black & white panels, are a charming complement to the story. Russian folklore enthusiasts in particular, will want to find a copy of this long out-of-print title. show less